
Rush, also known as poppers, is a recreational drug that has been popular in the LGBTQ+ community since the 1970s disco era. Marketed as a nail polish remover, room deodorizer, or cleaning product, poppers contain nitrites, which can be dangerous and harmful to one's health when ingested or inhaled. Despite their legal status in some places, poppers are not meant for human consumption and can cause serious adverse health effects, including death.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Super Rush, Gold Rush |
| Ingredients | Alkyl nitrite, isobutyl nitrite, amyl nitrite, isoamyl nitrite, isopentyl nitrite, isopropyl nitrite, butyl nitrites, nitroethane, N,N-dimethyl-p-toluidine, acetone, toluene, methanol, ethyl acetate, methyl ethyl ketone, butyrolactone |
| Size | 9-40 mL |
| Form | Liquid |
| Colour | Clear, gold, or yellowish |
| Legality | Banned for human consumption by the FDA; legality differs across jurisdictions |
| Side Effects | Heightened sensitivity, increased heart rate, dizziness, fainting, lightheadedness, drunk feeling, skin rash, unusual sleepiness, weakness, retinal toxicity, vision loss, chemical irritation, or burn |
| Health Risks | Serious adverse health effects, including death |
| Usage | Inhalation or ingestion |
| Marketing | Nail polish remover, air freshener, cleaning product, leather polish, videotape head cleaner, liquid incense, room deodorizer |
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What You'll Learn

Rush nail polish remover is a psychoactive inhalant
Rush nail polish remover is often sold in small bottles, ranging from 10 to 40 mL, and resembles energy shots. It is marketed as a nail polish remover, air freshener, or cleaning product. However, people do not use it for these intended purposes. Instead, they inhale the vapors from the bottle to achieve the desired psychoactive effects. The high from poppers is short-lived, lasting only a few seconds to a few minutes. After the high wears off, people may experience dizziness, nausea, headaches, and other adverse side effects.
The active ingredient in Rush nail polish remover, and other poppers, is alkyl nitrite, which instantly dilates blood vessels when inhaled. This increases blood flow and heart rate, creating a sense of heat and heightened sensitivity throughout the body. While poppers are not physically addictive, they can lead to serious health problems or even death in some cases. The FDA has banned them for human consumption due to these potential risks.
Despite the ban, poppers remain popular, especially within the LGBTQ+ community, and are often sold openly in adult novelty stores, gas stations, bars, nightclubs, and online. They have been a part of club culture since the 1970s disco era and continue to be used recreationally at parties and clubs. However, the chemicals inside these products can pose serious health risks, and users are cautioned to be aware of the potential dangers associated with their use.
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It contains nitrites, which are dangerous and can be deadly
Nitrites, which are present in Rush nail polish remover, can be dangerous and even deadly. Nitrites are a type of chemical that doctors sometimes use to treat heart conditions or chest pain. However, when used recreationally, they are known as "poppers". Poppers are not addictive, but they can have serious health consequences and even lead to death.
Poppers are inhaled and act as potent vasodilators, producing mild euphoria, warmth, dizziness, and a heightened sense of touch. They dilate blood vessels, sending blood to the brain and increasing heart rate. The effects of poppers are usually short-lived, lasting only a few seconds or minutes. However, they can have adverse effects, including fainting, retinal toxicity, and vision loss.
The active ingredient in Rush and other poppers is alkyl nitrite, which is a chemical that instantly dilates blood vessels when inhaled. This produces a brief but intense feeling of euphoria. It also causes a loosening of smooth muscle tissue, including the muscles of the anus and vagina, which has made it a staple in sexual enhancement for generations.
While poppers are often sold as nail polish removers, air fresheners, or cleaning products, this is not how people use them. The recreational use of poppers can be dangerous, especially for people with heart problems, anaemia, or glaucoma. In addition, if the liquid from poppers gets on your skin, it can cause chemical irritation or burns.
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Rush is often marketed as a cleaning product
Rush, also known as "poppers", is a recreational drug that belongs to the alkyl nitrite family of chemical compounds. It is often sold in small 10-40 mL bottles that resemble energy shots. Despite being banned for human consumption by the FDA, manufacturers market the product as nail polish removers, air fresheners, and cleaning products.
The active ingredient in Rush is alkyl nitrite, a chemical that instantly dilates blood vessels when inhaled, producing a brief but intense feeling of euphoria. It also causes a loosening of smooth muscle tissue, including the anus, which can make penetrative sex more comfortable and pleasurable. This effect has made Rush a staple of gay sex for generations.
The marketing of Rush as a cleaning product or nail polish remover also contributes to its accessibility. By being sold in gas stations, sex shops, smoke shops, bars, nightclubs, and adult novelty stores, Rush becomes easily accessible to a wide range of consumers. This marketing strategy also helps to disguise the true nature of the product, as many consumers may not be aware that they are purchasing a recreational drug.
In conclusion, Rush is often marketed as a cleaning product to navigate legal restrictions and increase sales. This marketing strategy has contributed to the popularity and accessibility of the product, especially within the LGBTQ+ community. However, despite its legal status, the chemicals in Rush can pose serious health risks, and consumers are advised to exercise caution when purchasing and using these types of products.
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The product is ingested or inhaled for recreational use
Rush nail polish remover is a brand of poppers, which are recreational drugs belonging to the alkyl nitrite family of chemical compounds. Poppers are often packaged and sold as nail polish remover, room deodorizer, leather polish, or videotape head cleaner to evade anti-drug laws. The term "poppers" comes from the popping sound made when crushing glass vials of the substance to release vapors for inhalation.
When inhaled, poppers act as potent vasodilators, producing mild euphoria, warmth, dizziness, and a heightened sense of touch. The drugs work quickly, dilating blood vessels and increasing heart rate. These effects create a rush feeling that can also lead to lightheadedness and dizziness.
Poppers have been popular among the LGBTQ+ community, dating back to the 1970s disco era and the 1980s-1990s rave scene. They have been used to enhance sexual experiences, as they relax smooth muscles, including those in the throat and anus.
Despite their legal status in some places, poppers can pose serious health risks. They are not considered addictive, but they can lead to adverse effects, including fainting, retinal toxicity, and vision loss, and, in rare cases, death. Ingesting poppers can be particularly dangerous, as seen in a case where an 81-year-old man developed methemoglobinemia after accidentally ingesting isobutyl nitrite-containing nail polish remover.
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It is sold in small bottles, similar to energy shots
Rush nail polish remover is sold in small bottles, typically ranging from 9 to 40 mL in size, similar to energy shots. These bottles are often made of glass or plastic and may have a lid or cap that can be easily removed. The liquid inside can vary in colour, appearing clear, gold, or yellowish.
The small bottles of Rush nail polish remover are marketed and labelled as a different product, but they are not intended for their stated purpose. Instead, they are inhaled or ingested for recreational purposes due to the presence of nitrites, specifically alkyl nitrites, in the liquid. The term “poppers” is used as slang for this class of chemicals when used recreationally.
These products are often sold in adult novelty stores, gas stations, sex shops, smoke shops, bars, nightclubs, and even online. They may also be found in some in-person stores, including head shops and corner stores. The branding and packaging of these products can vary, with brand names such as Super RUSH, Super RUSH Nail Polish Remover, Gold Rush, and Double Scorpio.
While the chemicals in Rush nail polish remover can induce a brief euphoric "high" and enhance sexual experiences, they can also have adverse effects on health. The FDA has advised against the purchase and use of such products, as they can lead to serious health issues, including dizziness, nausea, headaches, and even death when inhaled or ingested.
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Frequently asked questions
Rush nail polish remover is a product that has been marketed as a nail polish remover but is often used recreationally. It is also known as "poppers" and contains nitrites, a chemical that can be inhaled or ingested to produce a brief but intense feeling of euphoria.
The effects of Rush nail polish remover can include heightened sensitivity throughout the body, dizziness, fainting, nausea, headaches, and a heightened heart rate. It can also relax muscles, including those in the anus and vagina, which has made it a staple in the gay community for generations.
No, Rush nail polish remover is not safe. While it is often sold openly in stores and online, it is officially banned for human consumption by the FDA. The chemicals contained within the product can cause serious adverse health effects, including death.











































